The Judge Goes to Pieces (2K Digital Version)

Dir/Scr: Yeung Kung-leong
Orig Story: Ma Si-tsang
Prod Co: Lianyi
Cast: Ma Si-tsang, Hung Sin Nui, Lee Lan, Chan Wun-man, Leung Suk-hing
1948 | B&W | DCP | Cantonese | Chinese Lyrics | 95min

Before Justice, My Foot! (1992) captured the hearts of Hong Kong film fans with Stephen Chow’s iconic role, there was The Judge Goes to Pieces, a 1948 classic starring Ma Si-tsang and Hung Sin Nui, both renowned Cantonese opera performers. Adapted from Ma Si-tsang’s pre-War opera of the same title, in turn inspired by a Peking opera piece, the film tells the story of Sung Sai-kit, a sharp-witted lawyer in dynastic China who is persuaded by his wife to come out of retirement to defend a widow wronged by the corrupted judicial system.

Ma Si-tsang delivers a standout performance as Sung, a man torn between being a henpecked husband at home and a fearless advocate for justice in the courtroom. Co-star Hung Sin Nui, who was married to Ma in real life, brings her formidable charm and eloquence to the role of Sung’s fiery, quick-thinking wife. Together, they create a delightful dynamic of constant banter and unshakable devotion. Their on-screen chemistry, enhanced by well-timed dialogue, as well as Hung’s captivating singing and Ma’s seemingly effortless charisma, transforms the film into a timeless treasure. It was this enduring appeal that inspired Johnnie To to create the equally timeless Justice, My Foot! nearly half a century later.

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.